RCMP Commissioner William Elliott speaks to the media in Ottawa in this October 2010 file photo. (ANDRE FORGET/QMI AGENCY)

OTTAWA ¯ Embattled RCMP Commissioner Bill Elliott was abusive, disrespectful, dismissive and created a negative working environment at the RCMP, according to some senior Mounties.

Deputy commissioner Raf Souccar, on a leave of absence from the force since November, told Parliament's public safety committee Tuesday of a toxic environment under Elliott where morale among Mounties plummeted to "an all-time low."

"His behaviour and actions did have a negative impact," on the force, Souccar said. "I had so many people complain to me about Bill Elliott ... Some in tears."

The 33-year veteran Mountie said he "had to act" when turmoil in the force "boiled-over" last summer. Senior managers were being sidelined and silenced, and others resigned or retired early to escape the dysfunction.

"Bill Elliott did not intimidate, but the abuse was there, and the humiliation, the public humiliation," was there, Souccar added.

Former RCMP assistant commissioner Mike McDonell, who recently jumped ship and joined the Ontario Provincial Police, said senior management had been “neutered” and “muted” under Elliott and contrary points of view were not welcome.

Elliott announced last week he will step down as commissioner this summer near the end of his fourth year in the position, once a replacement is found.

As for replacing Elliott, Souccar said there is "no debate" it should be a Mountie and not another bureaucrat.

Elliott, the first civilian appointed to head the venerable national police force, also reportedly said recently his replacement should be a Mountie.

The opposition members said Tuesday's testimony highlighted the need to create a board of management to oversee the force, something repeated inquiries have recommended.

“We've been waiting for civilian oversight now for years," said Liberal public safety critic Mark Holland. "As a result, we have a situation like this where the solution is only political, where it rips open into the public, and it's extremely destructive to the force."

As for his leadership style, Elliott recently told the Canadian Club of Ottawa he can be brash.

"I'm big, and fairly loud. I'm not an introvert by any stretch of the imagination," Elliott said late last year. "It's pretty easy to understand what it is I think.

"If I'm happy, you'll know I'm happy. If I'm not so happy, you'll know I'm not so happy."

A spokesman for Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said the government is committed to modernizing the RCMP, and bringing in “effective oversight and accountability which will help ensure our national police force continues to become a stronger, more modern organization.”

bryn.weese@sunmedia.ca